Charlie McCarthy was a fantastic footballer and his passing will be mourned by all those who knew him

Widespread regret has been expressed at the sad news of the passing of one of Cork’s greatest soccer marksmen, Charlie McCarthy. 

He died peacefully in the presence of his beloved wife Breda and family at the Cork University Hospital on Thursday. 

While Charlie did not conclude his outstanding career with a wealth of medals, his true greatness was defined by his impact, character, and legacy. 

His story is one of personal excellence, sportsmanship, and influence - qualities that far outweigh the accumulation of silverware.

Footballers who made their League of Ireland debuts in Cork in 1976 were somewhat unfortunate, as the local game was once again in decline. The great Cork Hibernians had faded into history, and Cork Celtic were beginning to struggle. 

It was in this challenging climate that Charlie McCarthy emerged.

Charlie arrived largely under the radar, having not been a headline-maker during his underage years. 

However, his prolific scoring with Tramore told its own story, helping the club secure the Munster Senior League title in 1974, finishing ahead of Crosshaven-ironically the only unbeaten team not to win the championship.

The time was then right for him to test his scoring ability at a higher level, and in 1976 he signed for Cork Celtic. 

Finishing the season with a double-figure tally alongside established marksmen Donie Madden and Bobby Tambling was a highly creditable achievement.

In 1977, Charlie signed for Cork Alberts and quickly made a significant impact. 

He scored twice in the League Cup final against Dundalk, though the Leesiders ultimately lost on penalties. 

His meteoric rise was reflected in a series of striking headlines: “Charlie is Alberts’ Angel,” “McCarthy Hat-Trick Lands the Points,” “Super Goal Puts Paid to Shels,” and “Alberts Ace McCarthy Will Carry Heavy Burden.” 

One goal in particular stood out. Journalist Billy George, in his inimitable style, described it as “the one sparkling highlight in a sea of angry grey.” Collecting a pass from Lawson near halfway, McCarthy surged forward, turned sharply on the chasing Tierney, and in one fluid movement struck a thunderous shot from 25 yards into the roof of the net before goalkeeper Grace could react. 

Even the legendary Jimmy Johnstone, outstanding for Shelbourne that day, remarked afterwards: “Special goals like that deserve to win football matches.” 

Controversy, however, soon followed. Shelbourne lodged an objection against Alberts on the grounds that four amateur players had not been properly registered. 

The protest was upheld, the players suspended, and the match ordered to be replayed. The decision proved particularly cruel for Charlie, as the refixed game clashed with what would have been his debut for the Irish U21 side managed by John Giles, where he was due to face Northern Ireland talents Jimmy Nicholl and David McCreery. 

In those days, club came before country, and Charlie withdrew. He responded in the best possible fashion, scoring the winner in the replay and earning yet another headline: “McCARTHY AGAIN MATCH-WINNER IN CUP RE-RUN.” 

In April 1977, Alberts’ leading scorer, along with Redmond Lane, made the move to the United States to join the New York Apollos. 

Charlie scored 13 goals and 8 assists in 21 games during his time there and helped the club to NASL Championship success. 

To finish as leading scorer with both Alberts and the Apollos in the same year was a remarkable feat.

He returned home after the American season sporting a fearsome bearded look and quickly resumed his scoring exploits, including a delightful hat-trick against Galway at the Lodge. 

In 1981, he topped the scoring charts for Cork United and, like a fine wine, improved with age. The following season proved even more prolific, as his 20 goals cemented his status as Cork Alberts/United’s all-time leading scorer.

However, it was also a difficult period for the club. A season disrupted by postponements even saw them forced to play a home game in Kilcohan Park. 

They battled valiantly to the end, and though it was not known at the time, their 1–0 victory over Limerick would prove to be their final game in the League of Ireland. 

Fittingly, Charlie scored the decisive goal, earning the distinction of netting the last goal in the club’s history. Sadly, Cork was left without a League of Ireland team for the first time since 1924.

When League football returned after a two-year absence, Charlie lined out with the newly formed Cork City before bringing his League career to a close in 1987. 

In just 11 years in the League of Ireland, he packed in a remarkable number of achievements and unforgettable moments.

All associated with the game recognise his outstanding contribution, and his induction into the Cork Soccer Hall of Fame in 2017 was both fitting and richly deserved.